the mad race of cars trying to beat the rising water.
the illegal drag races on South Galvez St.
people on rooftops waving to attract the attention of helicopters.
the colorful attention getting umbrellas waved by dancers at a secondline.
hordes with raised hands calling for water.
the "you bring the whiskey, I got the wine",
"throw me sumthin' mister" raised hands of Mardi Gras.
the haz-mat suits.
that every year the Indians make a new suit.
the smell of mold, mildew, stagnant water and stinking refrigerators.
French bread baking on M.L.King Blvd., beignets,red beans & rice,
coffee with chicory.
the caravan of military vehicles.
the train ride through City Park for Christmas In The Oaks.
the silence.
the door-popping gossips shouting more news than action reporter.
the darkness.
the lights of Canal St., the lit up Crescent City Connection,
the church with the huge lighted cross on it's wall.
the curfew.
the city that never sleeps.
weeds taking over once manicured lawns.
Longview Gardens, azaleas blooming up and down St.Charles Ave.
and God's smiling miracles, the sunflower fields springing up all over town
in the most unlikely places after Katrina.
the sad quiet faces.
the where y'at?, s'hapnin'?, how ya mama nem?,
holla at me whoady!, loud smiling who dat fans.
the president who didn't know what to do.
our mayor Ray Nagin who "handled his bizness'.
the unfamiliar faces of CNN.
WWL, Sally Ann and our favorite goofball Eric.
us being shipped all over the United States.
not to forget,
there's no place like home.
we don't have ruby slippers but,
the spirit of New Orleans brings us back
Adding your comment:
jill
Really dipped into the richness of New Orleans here in your fine poem, good Poet! 
Yes, the spirit of a vital city lives on and can't be put away. 
It seems like it's a subject that hits pretty close to home. I know I was pretty sad about the whole issue too. It was so devastating. I loved the way you wrote this one though. It has such beautiful visuals that I feel like I can just feel the cities heartbeat. I think this is my favorite poem of yours so far. 
